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The Volkswagen brand at a glance
The Volkswagen brand is one of the world’s largest and most important car manufacturers. For more than 70 years we have been making innovative technologies, top quality and attractive design accessible for many people – for example, with bestsellers such as the Beetle or the Golf. We want to proactively shape the ongoing transformation of the automotive industry: our growing I.D. family represents a new generation of fully-connected electric cars that will play a significant role in the breakthrough of this technology.
With annual deliveries to customers topping the 6 million mark, the Volkswagen brand is a key pillar in the success of the Volkswagen Group. Wolfsburg is the brand’s nerve center – the city is not only home to brand headquarters and the development center, but also where the main plant is located. We operate over 50 production locations on all five continents and employ more than 200,000 people. With some 70 different models, we have a presence in all major market segments and almost every country around the world. Vehicle deliveries are highest in China and Europe.
Our TRANSFORM 2025+ strategy rolled out in 2016 marked the beginning of a far-reaching transformation process. The brand is to become a leading, profitable volume manufacturer as well as playing a leading role in the new world of automobility in the long term. Alongside significant improvements in efficiency and productivity, we are also focusing on a global model offensive: we will be launching more than ten new models per year, many of them SUVs, up to 2020. The first models from the full battery-electric, fully-connected I.D. family will then make their debut from 2020. The brand mission: the iconic car of the electric age must be a Volkswagen.
“We are not only embracing change in the automotive industry, but also shaping this transformation from the forefront.”
Key figures - Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand
Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand
Press releases
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Dr. Stephan Wöllenstein appointed to Volkswagen brand Board of Management
Dr. Stephan Wöllenstein, CEO of the Volkswagen brand in China, has been appointed to the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand effective February 1, 2019. -
Holocaust Remembrance Day at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg – wreath-laying and film “Bei uns nichts Neues”
On Holocaust Remembrance Day, Sunday, January 27, 2019 Volkswagen is commemorating the victims of murder, persecution and forced labor during the National Socialist dictatorship with a remembrance event at the Wolfsburg plant. -
Volkswagen offers exchange incentive all over Germany
The Volkswagen brand is expanding its exchange incentive for replacing older diesel vehicles to cover all of Germany from 24 January until 30 April 2019. When trading in a Euro 4 or Euro 5 vehicle from any manufacturer, the bonus is paid in addition to the used car value. Until now, the incentive was reserved for customers in cities identified as particularly polluted by the federal government in order to improve air quality there as quickly as possible. The exchange incentive for new vehicles ranges from 500 to 7,000 euros, depending on the model. Jürgen Stackmann, Board Member for Sales and Marketing, said, “With the exchange incentive, the Volkswagen brand is offering all owners of Euro 4 and Euro 5 diesel vehicles very attractive conditions for switching to efficient new cars or nearly new cars with the latest exhaust gas technology. This emphasises our ongoing commitment to improving air quality and to preventing driving bans in German cities.” The environmental incentive for scrapping Euro 1 to Euro 4 diesel vehicles will still be paid all over Germany until further notice. -
Holocaust Remembrance Day 2019: Volkswagen employees commemorate victims of murder, persecution and forced labor
Over the next few days, the International Auschwitz Committee (IAC) and Volkswagen are commemorating the victims of murder, persecution and forced labor during the National Socialist dictatorship at remembrance events. Apprentices from Volkswagen’s plants at Dresden, Emden and Wolfsburg are also taking part in the events. -
Volkswagen sets sights on electric record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife
Volkswagen is driving electromobility forward at high speed, both in production vehicles and on the racetrack. Following the record-breaking run at the famous Pikes Peak Hill Climb, the ID. R – Volkswagen’s fully-electric sports car – has now set its sights on another record in the summer of 2019: the lap record for electric cars on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, which is regarded as the toughest racetrack in the world. -
Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Company Launch Global Alliance
Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Company today announced the first formal agreements in a broad alliance that positions the companies to boost competitiveness and better serve customers in an era of rapid change in the industry. -
Location decision in North America: Volkswagen to build new generation of electric cars in Chattanooga
The Volkswagen brand is forging ahead consistently with its electric offensive and has now announced the first production location in North America. In future, the Chattanooga plant in Tennessee is to produce vehicles based on the modular electric toolkit MEB, a new generation of electric cars. For this purpose, Volkswagen is investing about €700 million ($800 million) in the plant. The expansion of the plant will create up to 1,000 new jobs plus additional jobs at suppliers. The first electric car from Chattanooga is to roll off the production line in 2022. Over the next few years, eight MEB plants are to be developed in Europe, North America and China. Volkswagen is building up the production capacity needed to sell more than 1 million electric cars per year by 2025. -
New delivery record for Volkswagen Group in 2018
With 10.83 million vehicles delivered throughout the world, 0.9 percent more than in 2017, the Volkswagen Group set an all-time record. In many markets of the world, South America, Europe, the USA and China, both the deliveries and in some cases the market shares of the Volkswagen Group grew. With successful product offensives, the Group brands were able to more than compensate for the risks in individual regions such as the general economic uncertainty in China and the adverse effects of the WLTP changeover in Europe. Especially the Group’s new SUV models were strong growth drivers. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Škoda, Seat, Porsche and Lamborghini brands all set new deliveries records. Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Head of Volkswagen Group Sales: “Even though setting new records is no longer our primary goal, we are very pleased about this great result. Especially in the second half, things were not easy for us in 2018. It was possible to achieve this new deliveries record for the Group thanks to a combination of outstanding products and the high level of trust placed in us by our customers. In view of volatile geopolitical developments, our business will face an equally strong headwind in 2019. In my opinion, the Volkswagen Group is well-positioned to meet the upcoming challenges. We face the future with optimism.” -
Only at Volkswagen: customers can assemble their own e-Golf in the Transparent Factory in Dresden
Customers can now get a much closer look at their e-Golf during production. In the Transparent Factory, you can accompany your future vehicle a part of the way along the production line. Under the expert guidance of the factory’s employees, the customer is able to actively get involved at four stations, e.g. when installing the dash panel. Other places where the customer can experience the assembly of their vehicle include joining the drive train to the body (“marriage”) and installing the front radiator grille. With the new possibility of accompanying production, the Volkswagen Transparent Factory in Dresden is expanding its range of services in respect of the electric mobility experience. -
Volkswagen sets new delivery record in 2018
Volkswagen set a new delivery record in 2018, handing over a total of 6.24 million vehicles worldwide for the full year, 0.2 percent more than in 2017. Positive delivery trends in South America (+13.1 percent), the USA (+4.2 percent) and Europe (+3.6 percent) offset considerable economic uncertainty in China, Argentina and Mexico as well as at times severe repercussions as a result of the changeover to WLTP in Western Europe. The SUV offensive along with numerous other new products from the brand proved to be key growth drivers. Volkswagen Board Member for Sales Jürgen Stackmann: “2018 was characterized by considerable uncertainty in some regions, especially in the second half of the year. Overall, though, we were able to combat this with a strong offensive of attractive new products and to offset the adverse effects. Our strategy has paid off. The new delivery record is the result of much hard work.” Volkswagen COO Ralf Brandstätter: “2019 will be another year of enormous challenges for the brand, above all in light of growing geopolitical risks. We must do our homework. Apart from volume growth, we will in future be focusing more closely on earnings performance than we have done in the past. This is about ensuring the long-term profitability of the Volkswagen brand.” -
Volkswagen advises against hardware retrofits for diesel cars
Volkswagen continues to take a critical view of the planned retrofitting of diesel cars with the emission standard Euro 5 and discourages its customers from having hardware retrofitted by third-party providers. “All of the concepts that we know of so far bring disadvantages for our customers such as increased fuel consumption and therefore increased CO2 emissions, and even a reduction in performance in some cases”, warns Frank Welsch, Head of Technical Development at Volkswagen. Moreover, contrary to other claims, not all Euro 5 vehicles can be retrofitted and not all will achieve emissions of less than 270 mg/km, which would allow them to be exempted from the upcoming driving bans. In addition to this, Volkswagen believes that the long-term functional reliability of the technology cannot be guaranteed. -
Electrifying World Premiere: Volkswagen offers First Glimpse of Mobile Charging Station
At the turn of the year, Volkswagen is offering a glimpse of the company’s future mobile quick charging station. It can be set up flexibly and independent of the power supply wherever it is needed: for example, in public parking lots in the city, on company premises, or as a temporary charging point at large-scale events. The mobile charging station works according to the principle of a power bank – which is familiar to many people with smartphones – but for electric vehicles instead. The charging capacity of up to 360 kWh enables up to 15 e-vehicles, including members of Volkswagen’s new ID. family, to be charged in stand-alone operation. Thanks to quick charging technology, the charging process only takes 17 minutes on average. If the energy content of the integrated battery set is less than 20 percent, the depleted charging station is simply exchanged for a charged one. If, however, it is permanently attached to the power supply with up to 30 kW via alternating current, the battery pack perpetually recharges itself. In case the charging process is based on renewable power supply, the charging station furthermore allows the temporary storage of sustainably generated power, such as solar or wind energy – and therefore CO2-neutral mobility. -
Volkswagen to take over telematics specialist WirelessCar from Volvo
The Volkswagen Group is acquiring a majority stake in the Swedish telematics specialist “WirelessCar” from Volvo with a view to making further advances in fleet connectivity. The Volkswagen Group is acquiring a 75.1 percent stake in WirelessCar. Completion is expected in the first half of 2019 and is subject to approval from antitrust authorities. -
Volkswagen introduces new remuneration model for top management
The Volkswagen Group has revised its top management remuneration system. The new model is based on the system used for the Board of Management, strengthens the Group idea and fosters cooperation between brands, regions and countries. In addition, the return targets of the Group are taken into account and a stronger link to share prices has been established. The main new features include greater emphasis on team performance and greater rewards for compliant, upright behavior; the system allows the possibility of taking individual wrongdoing into account in reducing remuneration. The new remuneration system applies from fiscal 2019. -
“Person of the Year 2018” – honor in China for former Volkswagen Chairman Prof. Dr. Carl Hahn
Prof. Dr. Carl H. Hahn, Former Chairman of the Volkswagen Board of Management (1982 – 1992), today received the accolade of “Person of the Year 2018“ in Beijing. The prestigious award presented by “China Newsweek“ magazine honors the pioneering role played by Dr. Hahn in the entry of Volkswagen to the market in the People’s Republic of China. -
The Volkswagen Group heads for deliveries record
From January to November, the Volkswagen Group boosted worldwide deliveries by 1.8 percent to 9.92 million vehicles. Despite a tense market environment with stagnating overall markets, a deliveries record for 2018 as a whole is therefore within reach. In November, the Volkswagen Group delivered a total of 940,900 vehicles throughout the world, corresponding to a fall of 5.4 percent compared with the prior-year month. Thanks to further progress with the WLTP changeover of the model range, deliveries in Europe were affected less severely in November. At 3.0 percent, the fall compared with the prior-year month was considerably lower than in the two preceding months. Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Head of Group Sales: “The rise in worldwide deliveries in the course of the year is a very respectable result. Although the volume target is no longer our top priority, high volumes allow us to achieve economies of scale. In November, there was a reduction in the effect of WLTP in Europe. We are confident that we will be able to close 2018 with a figure slightly above the previous record level of 2017 despite the challenging market environment.“ -
Return of the ID. R: Volkswagen to present plans for future applications
Family get-together for three generations: Volkswagen will take the past, present and future of motorsport to Zell am See for the return of the awe-inspiring Ice Race. On show for all to see on 19 and 20 January 2019 in the town to the south of Salzburg (Austria) will be the Volkswagen ID. R, which this year set a widely-acclaimed all-time record on the legendary Pikes Peak in the USA with a fully-electric drive. Volkswagen will also offer a glimpse of what awaits the ID. R in its immediate sporting future. -
Volkswagen with new IQ.DRIVE umbrella brand campaign
Volkswagen is bundling its entire range of intelligent driver assistance technologies under the new umbrella brand IQ.DRIVE. Before Christmas, Volkswagen will be launching a 360° marketing campaign for the new brand in Germany, consisting of TV commercial and posters as well as printed and online advertisements. Other European markets are to follow next year. In January 2019, special IQ.DRIVE models will appear in European dealerships. Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen Brand Board Member responsible for Sales and Marketing: “Our models already have intelligent electronic assistants for greater convenience and safety on board. With IQ.DRIVE, we are accompanying our customers on the way to autonomous driving. In future, their mobility time in a Volkswagen is to be quality time.“ -
First Interim Report of the Sustainability Advisory Board of the Volkswagen Group
In its first interim report, today the Sustainability Council of the Volkswagen Group has published an interim report on its activities from October 2016 to October 2018 in Berlin. The eight-member international panel summarizes its experience of working with the Volkswagen Group and assesses progress in sustainability matters and describes its attitude towards the future development of the Group in this area. -
Personnel changes in production
Dr. Oliver Grünberg, Previously Technical Director of Volkswagen OOO Group RUS and Plant Manager at Kaluga, Russia, is to be Chairman of the Board of Management and Board Member for Technology of Volkswagen Slovakia with effect from January 1, 2019. He succeeds Ralf Sacht, who is to be Head of Toolmaking of the Volkswagen brand in Wolfsburg from January. Grün-berg’s previous function is to be assumed from February 2019 by Stefan Depka, Head of Produc-tion with FAW Volkswagen in Foshan, China. -
Thomas Zahn new President and CEO of Volkswagen Group Argentina
Thomas Zahn, previously Head of Sales and Marketing, Germany, of Volkswagen AG, is to become President and CEO of Volkswagen Group Argentina S.A. effective February 1, 2019. Holger Santel already succeeded Thomas Zahn in his previous function with effect from November 1, 2018. -
Volkswagen Supervisory Board appoints Bram Schot to Group Board of Management
The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft today appointed Bram Schot a member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG effective January 1, 2019. Schot, appointed by the Supervisory Board of Audi AG as Board of Management Chairman of the company headquartered in Ingolstadt, will also hold responsibility for Group Sales in the Group Board of Management. “As Audi Board of Management Chairman, Bram Schot takes over an important task in the Group. With his long-standing experience he will prove Audi’s premium claim and successfully lead the brand with its “Vorsprung durch Technik” mission statement into the future”, the Chairman of the Audi Supervisory Board and Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen, Dr. Herbert Diess, said. -
Producing for the future: Volkswagen Toolmaking opens highly advanced 3-D printing center
The Volkswagen brand’s Toolmaking unit is adding a highly advanced 3-D printing center to its facilities in Wolfsburg. With the opening of the center, the unit is bringing the most highly advanced generation of 3-D printers to the Volkswagen Group, which will allow the production of complex vehicle parts in the future. In addition, with the new center, Toolmaking is implementing a key point of the pact for the future concluded in 2016 and expanding its production competences with subsidies from the Innovation Fund II. -
Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn to become Chairman of Management Board of IAV
Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, currently head of Research and Development of the Volkswagen Group, is to become Chairman of the Management Board of IAV GmbH in Berlin with effect from January 1, 2019. Eichhorn’s previous function is to be assumed by Dr. Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand responsible for Technical Development, in addition to his duties as Member of the Brand Board of Management in the future. -
Renewed improvement in mood among employees
Volkswagen employees see improvements in cooperation, management culture and integrity within the company. These are the conclusions to be drawn from the results of the Volkswagen Stimmungsbarometer (opinion barometer), an employee survey that regularly gives employees throughout the world an opportunity to express their views on topics such as leadership, coop-eration, integrity and culture while retaining their anonymity. This survey has now been held for the 10th year in succession. It was conducted in October and November and the results for Volkswagen AG are now available. -
Volkswagen and suppliers start countdown to ID.
About one year before the start of production of the fully electric ID., Volkswagen has announced further details of its electric offensive. Throughout the Group, up to 15 million vehicles based on the Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB) are to be built in the first wave, compared with 10 million vehicles according to previous plans. Up to 2023, the brand will be investing more than €11 billion in e-mobility, digitalization, autonomous driving and new mobility services, including more than €9 billion in the ID. family. The electric offensive was also a topic at the MEB Supplier Event. Yesterday, more than 30 CEOs from the key component suppliers came to Wolfsburg to usher in the hot phase of preparations for the ID. together with Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, and members of the Volkswagen brand Board of Management. -
Volkswagen heading for success with annual deliveries
In November, Volkswagen delivered 564,500 vehicles throughout the world, five percent less than in November 2017. In Europe, the effects of WLTP became less and less pronounced. Deliveries by Volkswagen were up 1.2 percent here. Brazil continues to drive growth in South America. The market situation in China remains tense. Nevertheless, Volkswagen succeeds in boosting its market share there in a shrinking overall market. All in all, the brand faces a challenging market environment with strong headwinds in some regions. Nevertheless, Volkswagen has delivered 5.7 million passenger cars to customers throughout the world in the year to date, 1.2 percent more than in the prior-year period. Volkswagen Board Member for Sales Jürgen Stackmann: “In view of the difficult conditions we face, Volkswagen is very well-positioned with respect to deliveries. How we bring the year to a close will now depend on December. We still need 530,000 deliveries to match last year’s record. In my opinion, we could succeed and perhaps even record slightly higher deliveries.” -
Volkswagen brand to speed up operating return
The Volkswagen brand is to significantly improve its earnings performance in the coming years in order to finance investments in future technologies from its own resources. To this end, the model portfolio is being streamlined and the number of variants reduced. At the same time, productivity at the plants is to be increased and the platform orientation for vehicle production extended. Optimizing material costs is to contribute significantly to achieving the target return – without detracting from product substance. Administration processes will become even leaner. “We must force the pace of our transformation and become more efficient and agile. We cannot let up in our efforts and must realize further substantial improvements. What we have achieved so far is still not enough,” said Ralf Brandstätter, the brand’s Chief Operating Officer responsible for day-to-day business. -
Electrifying a wide audience: Volkswagen ID. R crowned “Race Car of the Year” twice
Breath-taking all-time record at the legendary hill climb on Pikes Peak with a pioneering, fully-electric drivetrain and a spectacular look – the Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak has already justified the use of many superlatives. The 500-kW (680-PS) prototype sports car has now been crowned “Race Car of the Year” twice – by specialist German magazine Auto Bild Motorsport and by British car magazine BBC Top Gear. This recognition from two renowned and high-circulation magazines follows a year of success on the track. -
Charge your electric car while you shop: Volkswagen and Tesco now partners in the UK
Volkswagen is working to develop areawide charging infrastructure for electric cars. This is why the brand has embarked on a strategic partnership with the Tesco supermarket chain in the UK. Over the next three years, more than 2,400 electric vehicle charging bays are to be rolled out at 600 Tesco stores. The cooperation will create the largest electric vehicle charging network in the British retail sector. The stations are to be operated by Volkswagen and Pod Point, one of the leading providers of charging infrastructure in the UK. -
VOLKSWAGEN ART 4 ALL initiative receives „Corporate Art Award“
Volkswagen‘s Cultural Engagement has been honored with the „Corporate Art Award” in Brussels. The prize was presented yesterday as part of the “Art Patrons of the XXI. Century” festivities in the European Parliament. The program’s founder and curator Luca Desiata from pptART®/LUISS Business School, representing the jury, acknowledged the role of the company, which “provides a large public with access to the arts and culture through VOLKSWAGEN ART 4 ALL”. -
Works meeting in Wolfsburg: praise for team’s achievements and look ahead to electric strategy
At today’s works meeting held at the Wolfsburg plant, Board Member for Human Resources Gunnar Kilian and Works Council Chairman Bernd Osterloh commended the achievements of plant employees as well as the entire Volkswagen workforce. They commented that 2018 had been a very challenging year for the plant and the brand in general. Nevertheless, the team showed great dedication. At the same time, the brand was accelerating its transformation towards e-mobility. -
Volkswagen to boost marketing efficiency
The Volkswagen brand plans to improve its marketing efficiency by about 30 percent by 2020 at the same time as keeping its marketing budget approximately stable at €1.5 billion. The digital share of the media mix is to grow to almost 50 percent by 2020. In 2015, the share was about 25 percent. Against the backdrop of an increasingly personalized way of addressing customers, the number of campaign elements such as films or advertisements will increase about fivefold. In future, the Volkswagen brand will reduce its global network of about 40 agencies to three lead agencies. The Omnicom Group is to be responsible for Europe and South America, and WPP for North America, while Cheil will continue to be active for the Volkswagen brand in China. -
WLTP changeover slows deliveries by Volkswagen Group in October, as expected
As a result of the changeover to the new WLTP test procedure, the Volkswagen Group delivered fewer vehicles in October than in the prior-year month. All in all, 846,300 vehicles were handed over to customers throughout the world, a fall of 10.0 percent. In the month under review, the fall in deliveries in Europe, at 15.6% compared with the previous year, was significantly less pronounced than in September. Double-digit growth was recorded in South America, contributing to an increase of 2.6 percent to 8.98 million vehicles delivered from January to October in a stagnating overall market. Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Head of Group Sales: “As regards the WLTP changeover, we have already passed the low point in Europe. This positive devel-opment should continue in November and December as all our brands continue to make progress with the changeover of models to the new test cycle. For the year as a whole, we expect deliveries to slightly exceed the prior-year figure.“ -
Apprentices talk to Saxony’s Minister-President about Memorial Site work at Auschwitz, tolerance and respect
At the Transparent Factory in Dresden today, Volkswagen apprentices from Germany and Poland talked about their conservation work, encounters and experiences at Auschwitz Concentration Camp Memorial Site before an audience of employees and managers from Volkswagen Saxony. The Prime Minister of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, attended the event as guest of honor and discussed with the apprentices how young Poles and Germans understand history and can shape the future together. Other topics included cooperation between people from different cultures in international companies and the fundamental importance of tolerance and respect at the workplace and in public life. -
Volkswagen Brand reaches milestone of 30 million deliveries in China
Volkswagen is speeding up its activities in China, re-energizing the brand under its Move Forward initiative. The brand’s product portfolio was strengthened with no less than 9 new models in 2018. Speaking at Auto Guangzhou 2018, Stephan Wöllenstein, CEO of Volkswagen Brand China, said, “We reached a fantastic milestone this November, as we delivered the 30 millionth Volkswagen – a Touareg – to a customer in China. And to remain the number one choice for Chinese car buyers, as we have been for many years, our product offensive will continue in 2019.” -
Volkswagen to make Zwickau vehicle plant Europe’s top-performing electric car factory
The Volkswagen brand is moving forward with its electric offensive and gradually creating the production capacity needed for building more than 1 million electric cars per year throughout the world from 2025. The Group’s largest and highest-performance electric car plant is currently being created in Zwickau: in future, up to 330,000 electric models per year are to roll off the production line there – more than at any other plant of the Volkswagen Group. As the first high-volume automaker in the world, Volkswagen is therefore converting an entire plant from the internal combustion engine to e-mobility. Currently, the Golf and Golf Estate are produced at Zwickau. At the end of 2019, in slightly more than a year, the production of the ID., Volkswagen’s first electric model based on the new modular electric toolkit (MEB), is due to start at Zwickau. In the final stage of development, six electric models of three Group brands are to be produced at the plant from 2021 onwards. -
Volkswagen implements electric strategy consistently
Following Zwickau, Volkswagen intends to change its plants at Emden and Hanover in Germany over to the production of electric vehicles. After Zwickau, Volkswagen is there-fore establishing its second e-mobility center in Germany in Lower Saxony. CEO Dr. Her-bert Diess: “Volkswagen is implementing its electric offensive consistently. We are orient-ing the company towards clean mobility. This way, we are also ensuring sustainable pro-spects for the future of the two plants.” At a works meeting held on Wednesday in Emden, HR Board Member Gunnar Kilian outlined the principles of the project to employees. In Hanover, the Chairman of the Brand Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Dr. Thomas Sedran, presented the plans. The orientation towards the production of innovative electric vehicles is part of the plant allocation plans on which the Supervisory Board will decide in Wolfsburg on Friday. -
Volkswagen nominates further battery cell supplier
With the South Korean battery cell manufacturer SK Innovation (SKI), the Volkswagen Group has named a further strategic supplier for electric vehicles based on the Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB). SKI will supply the batteries for North America and a share of the batteries for the production of Volkswagen Group full-electric vehicles in Europe. The most important strategic suppliers of battery cells for the equipment of the Group’s rapidly glowing electric fleet in the major regions of the world have therefore been nominated. -
Volkswagen deliveries are down in October
At 516,900 vehicles, worldwide deliveries by the Volkswagen brand in October were 6.2 percent below the figure for October 2017. This development was mainly due to the continuing reluctance of purchasers in China as a result of the trade dispute with the USA. In Europe, as expected, deliveries continued to be affected by the WLTP changeover, although the impact was significantly less marked than in September. Strong positive impetus came from Brazil (+61.8 percent) and Russia (+23.9 percent). In the year to date, Volkswagen has handed over a total of 5.14 million vehicles to customers, a record figure for January to October. Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Sales Jürgen Stackmann: “We are making good progress with the WLTP changeover of our model range and deliveries in Europe were affected much less severely in October than in September. We expect this recovery to continue in November and December. All in all, we face a challenging market environment throughout the world. It is therefore all the more gratifying to note that our deliveries from January to October were almost two percent higher than the record figure reported by the brand for the corresponding period in 2017.“ -
The new season begins for Volkswagen Sunday Sessions at MoMA PS1 in New York
MoMA PS1 kicked off the new season of VW Sunday Sessions with the performance "Pendulum Music: An Arrangement for Four Performers and Geodesic Dome" by Jeremy Toussaint-Baptiste on 21 October. This series supported by Volkswagen Group of America will now be entering its seventh year and offers a variety of encounters with contemporary performance and media art. -
Volkswagen remains on track for growth despite a challenging environment
In the first three quarters of the current fiscal year 2018, the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand continued to develop well in a challenging market environment. Following the first nine months of the year, the deliveries and sales revenue of the Volkswagen Group’s lead brand remain above the prior-year level. With 4.6 million vehicles handed over to customers (+2.9 percent), these were the most successful first nine months that the brand has ever experienced. Driven by higher sales and an improved product mix, the Volkswagen brand was able to boost sales revenue by 7.3 percent to €62.5 billion. At €2.3 billion, the operating profit before special items was slightly below the prior-year level (€2.5 billion) as a result of factors including the expected impact of the WLTP changeover and higher distribution expenses in connection with the environmental incentive. Operating return on sales was 3.7 percent, compared with the figure of 4.3 percent for the prior-year period. The diesel issue gave rise to special items of €-1.6 billion (2017: €-2.6 billion). -
Volkswagen confirms sales revenue and profit target
The Volkswagen Group continued to grow during the first nine months of the fiscal year and is well on track to achieve its sales revenue and profit target. Despite the switch to the new WLTP test procedure, which resulted in the anticipated temporary third-quarter decline in unit sales particularly in Europe, the Group’s key figures for the first nine months are above the prior-year figures. Group sales revenue rose to EUR 174.6 billion, following EUR 170.1 billion in the prior-year period. Amounting to EUR 13.3 billion (previous year: 13.2 billion), operating profit before special items was on a par with the previous year, thus the operating return on sales stood at 7.6 percent. In the first nine months, the diesel issue gave rise to special items of EUR 2.4 billion (previous year: EUR 2.6 billion). Profit before tax increased by EUR 2.2 billion to EUR 12.5 billion. Net liquidity in the Automotive Divi-sion amounted to EUR 24.8 billion. -
Exhibition “The world of Volkswagen classics” to open at the Designer Outlets Wolfsburg
On Sunday, October 28, when outlet stores will be open for business, Volkswagen Classic is opening its pop-up gallery at the Designer Outlets Wolfsburg and will be showing a selection of eight historic vehicles spanning the period from 1958 to 1985. The special exhibition in the new Ellipse includes rare prototypes and record-breaking vehicles as well as the filmstar “Herbie” and is to continue until April 4, 2019. -
Volkswagen expects an SUV share of 50% by 2025
Volkswagen continues with the largest SUV offensive in the company’s history. By 2025, every second Volkswagen passenger cars sold throughout the world will probably be an SUV. This already applies to every fifth car sold now. The brand expects especially strong growth in SUV sales in North and South America, as well as in China. By 2025, Volkswagen will be offering more than 30 SUV models throughout the world. With the new Polo-sized T-Cross, the brand is rounding off its SUV product portfolio at the bottom in the smallest segment. This Thursday the T-Cross is to make its world debut and will be unveiled at the same time in Europe, China and South America. -
Volkswagen brand launches diesel swapping program throughout Germany
The Volkswagen brand today launched a comprehensive diesel swapping program. The successful environmental incentive is again being offered throughout Germany. It is valid for Euro-1 to Euro-4 diesel vehicle keepers who scrap the vehicle of any make and switch to a modern Volkswagen. The environmental incentive for new vehicles ranges between €1,500 and €8,000, depending on the model. Furthermore, there is a new exchange premium for keepers of any make of diesel vehicle in the 14 cities classified by the federal government as the most heavily polluted and the surrounding areas. This premium will be paid in addition to the residual value of the old vehicle when trading in a Euro-4 or Euro-5 diesel. The exchange premium for new vehicles ranges from €500 to €7,000, depending on the model. Board Member for Sales, Jürgen Stackmann: “The environmental incentives and exchange premiums are powerful financial incentives for switching to the latest generation of cleaner vehicles. Volkswagen is thus making a further significant contribution to improving air quality and preventing possible driving bans in German cities.” The environmental incentive and the exchange premium are available now from participating Volkswagen partners in Germany and are valid until further notice. Anyone interested in further details can call the hotline on +49 (0)5361-83 89 99 60. -
SEAT Tarraco production starts in Wolfsburg
For the first time in about 20 years, Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg plant is producing a model of another Group brand: the SEAT Tarraco. The Spanish SUV, which was designed and developed in Barcelona, exploits the synergy effects of the MQB production platform. In Wolfsburg, the Spanish model will roll off the production line together with the Volkswagen models Tiguan and Touran. The step towards multi-brand production will boost the capacity deployment of Volkswagen’s main plant. The production of the Tarraco in Wolfsburg is part of the Pact for the Future concluded by the company and the Works Council at the end of 2016. The pact is a far-reaching timetable for improving the economic viability of the Volkswagen brand and placing the company on a firm footing for the future -
Volkswagen digitalizes sales – New era of car buying to start in 2020
Volkswagen is making its sales organization fit for the future. The brand is to fundamentally realign its sales model together with its dealers. The new sales model is to be launched in Europe in April 2020. Today in Berlin, Volkswagen and the European Dealer Council presented their vision for the future world of Volkswagen’s 5,400 dealers and service partners as well as their 54,000 employees in Europe. The objective is to provide seamless individual round-the-clock support for customers going far beyond vehicle sales on the basis of a unique Volkswagen customer ID. Each year, the Volkswagen brand intends to introduce about 5 million customers to the new world of mobility around the globe and to offer them individual services on the basis of their ID. The car buying experience itself will also change. On-line sales are to be massively expanded and direct sales are to become possible. Five new sales and service formats such as city showrooms or pop-up stores are to be added. At the same time, the sales organization is to become more flexible and efficient. -
Volkswagen deliveries in September affected by WLTP changeover, as expected
In September, the Volkswagen brand delivered fewer vehicles throughout the world than in the same month of the previous year: in total, 485,000 vehicles were handed over to customers, representing a fall of 18.3 percent compared with September 2017. This development was chiefly due to the effects of the WLTP changeover in Europe and especially in Germany, where deliveries were 42.6 and 47.1 percent respectively below the figures for the same month of the previous year. However, the outstanding figures reported since the beginning of the year have helped to soften the fall experienced in September. In the year to date, some 4,622,900 vehicles have been handed over to customers throughout the world. The brand therefore remains above the figure for the corresponding period of the previous year, with a rise of 2.9 percent. Volkswagen Board Member for Sales Jürgen Stackmann: “The year to date has been the most successful ever for Volkswagen. Developments in September were a setback, but we had been expecting this following the records in the summer. October will also be affected by the changeover to the WLTP test procedure. Currently, we have obtained WLTP approval for high-volume variants of all 14 Volkswagen brand models. By the end of the year, the changeover should have been virtually completed. This is why we expect a return to our old strength. From November, we will be ready for the end-of-the-year sprint in Europe.“ -
FIA World Rallycross Championship Johan Kristoffersson is the 2018 FIA World Rallycross Champion
He has done it again! Johan Kristoffersson (S) has claimed his second title in the FIA World Rallycross Championship at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin (USA). The defending champion was victorious in his Volkswagen Polo R Supercar at the tenth of this season’s twelve rounds, just in front of his team-mate Petter Solberg (N), and now has 281 points to his name. With a lead of 77 points over second-placed Mattias Ekström (S), and a maximum 60 points up for grabs at the remaining two events, the driver of the Team PSRX Volkswagen Sweden can no longer be caught at the top of the overall standings. -
Volkswagen Supports the Kaiserring Award Winner Exhibition in Goslar for the Fourth Year
This Saturday, the artist Wolfgang Tillmans is going to be awarded with the Kaiserring at the Kaiserpfalz in Goslar. In its statement, the international award jury emphasizes the quality of Tillmans’ body of work and his ability to creatively address social challenges. The ceremony further kicks off the award winner exhibition featuring many of Tillmans’ worldwide acclaimed artworks and supported by Volkswagen. -
Volkswagen and Microsoft announce strategic partnership
Entering into a strategic partnership, Volkswagen and Microsoft Corp. will collaborate to develop the ‘Volkswagen Automotive Cloud’, one of the largest dedicated automotive industry clouds for all future Volkswagen digital services and mobility offerings. The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG approved the conclusion of an agreement to this effect between Volkswagen and Microsoft on September 28, 2018. Volkswagen therefore continues to forge ahead with its digital transformation at full speed. With Microsoft as its strategic partner, the company is taking a decisive step in its digital transformation into a mobility provider with a fully connected vehicle fleet and the digital ecosystem “Volkswagen We”. -
Volkswagen targeting further boost in factory productivity
The Volkswagen brand’s TRANSFORM.TOGETHER production strategy targets a 30 percent increase in productivity worldwide by 2025 compared to 2018. Production is therefore making a major contribution to achieving the profitability target of over 6 percent for the brand. “We want to rank among the best for productivity. We need to generate competitive returns to enable us to make key investments in the future and thus safeguard today’s jobs tomorrow and beyond. Together, we are ushering in a new era in Production for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand. This is about nothing less than a paradigm shift: from a product-oriented company to a production-and process-oriented company. For Prodution, that means our department will be more important than ever going forward”, Dr. Andreas Tostmann, the Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Production, commented at an event held at the Berlin Motorwerk location attended by 500 managers from Volkswagen’s 17 vehicle manufacturing plants. -
Hillclimb heaven for vintage car fans: Volkswagen Classic at the 2018 Rossfeld Race
Volkswagen Classic is the main partner of the “Internationaler Edelweiß Bergpreis Rossfeld” for the second time. The hill climb takes place from 28 to 30 September 2018 on the Rossfeldhöhenringstraße road in the Berchtesgaden Alps and is steeped in tradition. The 650-PS Golf Mk2 “Pikes Peak” from the Volkswagen Classic collection will take on the challenge with rally driver Jochi Kleint at the wheel. Racing driver and brand ambassador Benjamin Leuchter will drive the latest Golf GTI TCR. Other highlights include the three modified Beetles and the rare Volkswagen SP2, which was manufactured in Brazil. -
Volkswagen Classic honoured for successful electromobility campaign
Cause for celebration at Volkswagen Classic: The heritage division of the Wolfsburg-based group was named the winner of the “Campaign” category of the 2018 Automotive Brand Contest. The multifaceted history of electromobility at Volkswagen was successfully interpreted in a cross-media campaign and was honoured by the international jury of independent experts. The awards will be presented at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris at the start of October. -
Volkswagen places software developers in pole position with its “Faculty 73“ project
Volkswagen is transforming itself from an automaker into a mobility provider and is now forcing the pace with the implementation of its strategy: in future, the company will be training hundreds of software developers itself. This is the objective of the innovative “Faculty 73” program which the Volkswagen Group Academy has developed specifi-cally for this purpose. Training for the first group of participants is to start in the spring of 2019 and the application and selection phase will start in October 2018. The program will prepare trainees for work as a software developer with Volkswagen and is intended for people who have completed their vocational training and have IT skills as well as internal and external applicants with appropriate qualifications. A de-gree is not required. -
WRC comeback with Volkswagen: Petter Solberg to drive the new Polo GTI R5 in Spain
He’s back! 2003 champion Petter Solberg (N) returns to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) with the Volkswagen Polo GTI R5. Solberg and co-driver Veronica Engan (N) will compete in the WRC 2 class at the Rally Spain in Catalonia from 25 to 28 October. Six years after his last rally in 2012, the Norwegian will make his comeback in precisely the same place, at which he called time on his rally career. Solberg, who drives a Polo for his PSRX Volkswagen Sweden team in the FIA World Rallycross Championship (WRX), will briefly change fields. The Polo GTI R5 will make its competitive debut at the Rally Spain, which will be the car’s only outing with the Volkswagen works team. The R5 rally car will then be run by customer teams in national and international championships. -
Uncompromising e-mobility: World premiere of the modular electric drive matrix – Volkswagen launches ELECTRIC FOR ALL campaign
Volkswagen is driving the transition to e-mobility with a consistency and commitment unlike that of virtually any other automaker. As part of the ELECTRIC FOR ALL campaign launched today, the brand will be putting attractive models at affordable prices on the road, paving the way for the breakthrough of electric vehicles. The electric offensive is based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB), a technology platform developed specifically for electric vehicles. Production of the Volkswagen ID., the world’s first series vehicle based on the MEB, will begin in Zwickau at the end of 2019. At the launch of the ELECTRIC FOR ALL campaign, media representatives from all over the world are being given their first deep insight into the technological basis of the ID. at a media workshop in the Gläserne Manufaktur in Dresden, where Volkswagen is demonstrating the centerpiece of the MEB – the rolling chassis without the bodywork and interior – exactly as it will be used in series models. Volkswagen is also seizing the initiative when it comes to charging infrastructure: a design prototype of the “Volks-Wallbox” is also being premiered in Dresden. This Wallbox is an affordable home system that makes charging the ID. family easy and convenient. -
Holger B. Santel to head Sales and Marketing Germany at Volkswagen brand passenger cars
Holger B. Santel, currently Executive Vice President of SAIC Volkswagen in China, is to head Sales and Marketing Germany at the Volkswagen brand passenger cars. In this function he succeeds Thomas Zahn, who is getting ready for other assignments in the Volkswagen Group. Santel will assume responsibility for the Volkswagen brand’s business in Germany effective Nobember 1st, 2018. -
Volkswagen Group’s new importer contracts pave the way for digitalization
The Audi, ŠKODA, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Volkswagen Passenger Cars brands, together with their partners from ten European importers, signed the new importer contracts in Wolfsburg this week. Contracts with the Group’s own companies in a further 15 markets were also exchanged. As a result, the Volkswagen Group has agreed new contracts for almost all European markets. Some 4.1 million vehicles were delivered in these markets, including the home market of Germany, in 2017. The contracts are an important strategic milestone for the Volkswagen Group and define a new joint business model that is shaped in particular by ongoing digitalization. Going forward, manufacturer, importer and dealer will jointly communicate with customers, speaking with one voice across all contact points. The contracts are also an important prerequisite for marketing the Volkswagen Group’s new all-electric, fully-connected vehicles and come into effect starting in April 2020 in good time for the market launch of these models. -
Volkswagen’s success continues in August
The Volkswagen brand handed over 513,300 vehicles to customers worldwide in August, representing an increase of 3.7 percent compared with the same month of the previous year and a new record for the month of August. All in all, 4,137,900 vehicles were delivered from January to August, a rise of 6.2 percent compared with the corresponding period of the previous year, and a further record. Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Sales, commented: “August was another strong month for the Volkswagen brand in many markets: we posted record deliveries for the month of August and for the period January-August. We will be able to deliver far fewer vehicles in Europe in September due to the changeover to the WLTP test procedure. October will also get off to a subdued start, but we are expecting a strong performance from the Volkswagen brand in November and December in particular.” -
Works meeting in Wolfsburg: team praised for improving efficiency and productivity
At today’s works meeting held at the Wolfsburg plant, Board Member for Human Resources Gunnar Kilian, Group and General Works Council Chairman Bernd Osterloh and Group Board of Management Member Oliver Blume thanked employees for their commitment in the first half of 2018. 34 special shifts were worked at the Wolfsburg plant in the first two quarters alone, and several thousand vehicles were produced and stored on an interim basis due to the WLTP test procedure ready for delivery once approvals have been issued by the authorities. Kilian underscored that Volkswagen will not let up in its efficiency efforts. Osterloh called for clarity for the workforce about plant operation in the 4th quarter. Blume emphasized that Group Production sees itself as a driver for efficiency, and gives the Group a clear competitive edge. -
Ready for mass production: Volkswagen uses the latest 3D printing process for production
Volkswagen is the first automotive manufacturer using the latest 3D printing technology: the “HP Metal Jet” process simplifies and speeds up metallic 3D printing. The biggest advantage: productivity improves fifty times compared to other 3D printing methods and depending on the component. Hence, for the first time, three-dimensional printing is mass production ready in automotive industry. Together with printer manufacturer HP and component manufacturer GKN Powder Metallurgy, Volkswagen is therefore pressing ahead with the development of the technology for mass production. The partners presented the new process for the first time at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago. -
Volkswagen sends out a clear signal in Chemnitz against xenophobia, discrimination, exclusion
Volkswagen Board members, Works Council members and employees sent out a clear signal against discrimination, xenophobia and exclusion at an information event at the Chemnitz engine plant on Friday. At the same time, they spoke up clearly respectful in favor of diversity and a respectful partnership with one another. For Volkswagen, these are unshakeable principles. -
Volkswagen's incubator program goes international: six new start-ups move into the Gläserne Manufaktur
The start-up program in the "Future Mobility Incubator" at the Gläserne Manufaktur is striking out in new directions. For the first time, Volkswagen has only selected international start-ups, at pitch competitions held in Tel Aviv, Prague, London, Riga, and Hanover: CarPay-Diem comes from Luxembourg, Zouzoucar from France, carVertical from Lithuania, ToporAuto from Russia, Make My Day from Israel, and Go To-U from Ukraine. They are now working at the Gläserne Manufaktur where they are able to develop their ideas to market readiness with support from Volkswagen and the city of Dresden’s business development team. -
Curriculum vitae: Dr. Stefan Sommer
Group Board Member for Components and Procurement. -
Volkswagen expands its engagement in Africa: memorandums of understanding signed with Ghana and Nigeria
During German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to Africa, Volkswagen signed two memorandums of understanding with the governments of Ghana and Nigeria. The stated goal is to build plants in both countries and to explore the development of new mobility solutions in Ghana. The document was signed in Ghana in the presence of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. The Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okey Enelamah attended the signing ceremony in Abuja. The Head of the Volkswagen Sub-Saharan Region, Thomas Schaefer, signed both agreements on behalf of Volkswagen. -
Volkswagen Classic at GTI Coming Home 2018 in Wolfsburg: Seven icons with three letters
For the second time, Wolfsburg is hosting a full day devoted to the legendary Volkswagen sports car, which, since 1976, has been more synonymous with power, driving pleasure and attitude than virtually any other car – the Golf GTI. Volkswagen Classic is represented by all seven generations of the GTI family on 1 September. The powerful Golf Mk2 Pikes Peak and rally ace Jochi Kleint will also be attending the GTI meet in Wolfsburg. -
Dr. Frank Welsch: “The success on Pikes Peak is of long-term importance”
The Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak made history with its record-breaking run at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on 24 June: the first fully-electric racing car from Wolfsburg conquered the 19.99-kilometre route in 7:57.148 minutes. However, the 500-kW (680-PS) ID. R Pikes Peak is far more than just a record holder – it is the sporty ambassador for the ID. family, Volkswagen’s range of fully-electric production vehicles, which will hit the market from 2020 onwards. In an interview, Dr. Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand with responsibility for Technical Development, speaks about what this means for the future, the challenges faced when developing the ID. R Pikes Peak, and the strategy behind competing at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. -
Volkswagen’s digital transformation gathers speed
Volkswagen in transition: the company is speeding up the development of its ecosystem with its own software know-how and the strength of external partners. The automobile will evolve into a central hub in the Internet of Things. -
California Dreamin’ – with the Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak
Two months after the historic, record-breaking triumph at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the ID. R Pikes Peak is set to make a first return visit to the United States: the first fully electrically-driven race car from Volkswagen will be appearing at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on 26 August. The globally renowned event is one of a kind, a unique exhibition – for exceptional historic automobiles and for innovative concept cars. It represents the highlight of the Pebble Beach Automotive Week, which is taking place this year from 21 to 26 August. -
Volkswagen on tour this summer at the 2018 Sachsen Classic
Once again this year, more than 20 classic cars from the Volkswagen Group and Autostadt collections will be making an appearance at the Sachsen Classic. Volkswagen’s Zwickau and Chemnitz production plants will be the start and finish of the long-running regularity rally taking place from 23 to 25 August. -
Success factors for the ID. R Pikes Peak: reduced weight thanks to on-board power generation
For a fully-electric racing car like the Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak, the weight of the battery is especially important: it is the heaviest individual component – and each increase in weight has a detrimental effect on the car’s performance. It was logical for the Volkswagen Motorsport engineers to keep the batteries as small and light as possible in the record-breaking car. In addition to the sophisticated, weight-saving lithium-ion design, they are relying on technology that is already implemented in numerous electrically-driven production models: recuperation. -
Volkswagen plans to produce some 1 million vehicles in Wolfsburg
Looking to the future, production volumes at the main plant in Wolfsburg are to rise to around one million. Higher productivity will enable higher capacity utilization. The groundwork is being laid in Wolfsburg in order to bundle Golf production at one location as set out in the Pact for the Future. Coinciding with the launch of the Golf 8, Golf production in Zwickau and Puebla is to be relocated to the main plant. The new SEAT Tarraco will also begin rolling off the assembly line in Wolfsburg soon. Dr. Andreas Tostmann, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand responsible for Production and Logistics, commented: “We are planning to increase productivity by 25 percent at all German factories by 2020 as agreed. Further efforts are needed at Volkswagen in future to remain competitive, particularly post-2020.” -
Volkswagen to continue support for Formula Student Germany in next racing season
Volkswagen is continuing its involvement in Formula Student Germany (FSG) in the next racing season and will once again sponsor selected university teams entering the international design competition. In future, the company will focus more strongly on the “Driverless” category than has previously been the case in order to bring the innovation areas of electric drive systems and autonomous driving even closer together. At the Hockenheimring, the company also recruits new career entrants. Trainees and interns who were active in Formula Student have repeatedly joined Volkswagen. -
Success factors for the ID. R Pikes Peak: 4.000 kilometres of test drives
It was all over after exactly 7:57.148 minutes. With Romain Dumas at the wheel, the ID. R Pikes Peak crossed the finish line in the world’s most famous hill climb. A record-breaking sprint that lasted 19.99 kilometres, preceded by numerous tests over a distance of 4,000 kilometres – spread over six months. -
Success factors for the ID. R Pikes Peak: teamwork between racers and technicians from production development
Motorsport is a team sport. At the same time, the individual team members sometimes do their thing on different playing fields – under certain circumstances, they can usually be found playing a completely different sport. A prime example of this is the ID. R Pikes Peak, with which Volkswagen driver Romain Dumas set a new record of 7:57.148 minutes at the most famous hill climb in the world on 24 June 2018. As well as Volkswagen Motorsport, a whole host of departments from within the Volkswagen Group were involved in making the project a success. “The help we received from production development was crucial to the success,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets. -
Volkswagen continues growth in July
The Volkswagen brand continues on its growth path: with 505,900 vehicles delivered in July, the brand reported a rise of 8.4 percent compared with the same month of the previous year. All in all, the brand handed 3,624,600 cars over to customers from January to July, representing an increase of 6.5 percent compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Sales: “This was the best July in the history of the Volkswagen brand. We are continuing our upward trend and are significantly ahead of the prior-year figure after seven months. With cumulative deliveries of 3.6 million vehicles, we have outperformed the Volkswagen brand’s previous record for this period. However, the next few months will be more challenging. The changeover to the WLTP test procedure will probably lead to delays in deliveries affecting certain model lines in Europe.” -
Online now: Volkswagen launches digital newsroom
Volkswagen announces the launch of a new digital offering for journalists, bloggers, online multipliers and brand fans: starting today, the Volkswagen Newsroom (www.volkswagen-newsroom.com) brings users the most important information, stories, images, videos and social media content from the world of Volkswagen. The new online service offers media professionals a central research and information platform and brings brand fans an interactive brand experience. -
High-tech for the future: Volkswagen Design focuses on working digitally
LED screens, interactive design, collaboration in virtual reality: Volkswagen Design is forging ahead with the process of digital transformation and has completely changed its working methods over the past two years. And with success: from the creation of new products right up to the point of their acceptance, work is now consistently carried out digitally, which significantly increases the efficiency of individual work steps and facilitates collaboration across locations. The new processes also give employees much more room for personal and professional development. -
Volkswagen aims to break the land speed record on the United States salt flats with its new Jetta
Volkswagen is still on the hunt for new records: only a few weeks after the success of the electric ID. R Pikes Peak in the “Race To The Clouds” held in the Rocky Mountains and in the UK’s Goodwood Hill Climb and it’s already time for the next sporting highlight. Between 11 and 17 August, Volkswagen of America will be aiming to break the land speed record in the BGC/G class of the Southern California Timing Association on Lake Bonneville – the salt flats in the US state of Utah – with its specially prepared but near-production version of the new-generation Jetta. -
Success factors for the ID. R Pikes Peak: Pacemaker Dieter Depping, test and development driver
He is the unsung hero and secret pacemaker behind the successful Pikes Peak project: Dieter Depping. The man from Hannover (Germany), who celebrates his 52nd birthday today on 7 August, has been a motorsport test and development driver for Volkswagen for 16 years. Without him, the twelve titles in the World Rally Championship (WRC), a further two titles in the FIA World Rallycross Championship (WRX), the three Dakar victories with the Race Touareg, and the many class wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours would have been inconceivable. Or, as Romain Dumas puts it: “Dieter was my second throttle foot. Without him, the record on Pikes Peak would not have been possible”. The fact that this quote from Dumas came just moments after the ground-breaking 7:57.148 minutes, in which he had made motorsport and electromobility history, speaks volumes of the key role that Dieter Depping has played in the Volkswagen Motorsport success story. -
A strong first half for the Volkswagen brand
Following the good start to the year, the Volkswagen brand continued its successful development in the second quarter. In the first half of the year, the brand recorded significant increases in sales revenue, operating profit and return on sales. From January to June, sales revenue reached €42.7 billion, 8 percent over the prior-year figure, largely driven by the strong rise in vehicle sales. With 3.12 million vehicles delivered, a new half-yearly record was achieved. After eliminating special items, the operating profit rose by 20 percent to €2.1 billion. The operating return on sales improved to 5.0 percent (compared with 4.5 percent in 2017). In connection with the processing of the diesel crisis, the brand recorded one-off expenses in the amount of €1.6 billion in the first half. The operating profit after special items was therefore €0.5 billion. -
Volkswagen Group records strong first half: growth in sales revenue and earnings
The Volkswagen Group continued its profitable growth course in the first half of 2018, post-ing record figures for deliveries, sales revenue and earnings (before special items). In the period from January to June, Group sales revenue rose from EUR 115.3 billion to EUR 119.4 billion year-on-year. Operating profit before special items increased from EUR 8.9 billion to EUR 9.8 billion, however, expenditures of EUR 1.6 billion in connection with the diesel crisis were recognized in the second quarter. The operating return on sales before special items rose from 7.7 to 8.2 percent. The Group’s profit after tax for the first six months was up 2.1 percent year-on-year to EUR 6.6 billion.“ The Volkswagen Group per-formed successfully in the first half of the year, with very solid growth in sales revenue and earnings. We also delivered more vehicles than ever before,” said Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen AG, commenting on the results for the first six months. “However, we cannot rest on our laurels because great challenges lie ahead of us in the coming quarters – especial-ly regarding the transition to the new WLTP test procedure. Growing protectionism also poses major challenges for the globally integrated automotive industry.” -
ID. R Pikes Peak makes Germany debut at Classic Days
From 03 to 05 August the time has come: the Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak will make its debut in Germany at the 13th Classic Days at Schloss Dyck. The Autostadt in Wolfsburg will present Volkswagen’s first all-electric powered racing car at their “Passion | Pace | Performance” exhibition. With around 40 exhibits, ranging from the 1920s Bugatti to the current Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak, the motorsport brand diversity of the Volkswagen Group will be presented, focussing on the past, present day and future. The 500 kW (680 PS) ID. R Pikes Peak is the sporting forerunner of the ID. family, the series of all-electric powered production cars that Volkswagen will be launching as of 2020. -
Unique, sporty, passionate: Volkswagen presents classic cars and the automotive future at Classic Days 2018
Volkswagen Classic will showcase six carefully selected vehicles at the Classic Days classic car and motor festival held at Schloss Dyck in Jüchen from 3 to 5 August. Volkswagen Classic is sending three rare prototypes to Jüchen for the 13th edition of this classic car event: the Golf Mk3 A59 ‘Rallye’ and the twin-engine Golf Mk2 ‘Pikes Peak’, both motorsport vehicles, together with the elegant Volkswagen Type 3 convertible. In addition, the rare Volkswagen SP 2 will bring a touch of Brazilian exoticism to the Rhineland, while a convertible 1303 Beetle and a ‘Yellow Black Racer’ promise summertime driving fun. -
Ralf Brandstätter named Chief Operating Officer of the Volkswagen brand
Ralf Brandstätter (49), Volkswagen brand Board member for Procurement, has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Volkswagen brand effective August 1, 2018. In this newly-created function, Brandstätter will lead the Volkswagen brand’s operating business. At the same time, he continues as the brand’s Board member for Procurement. -
Success factors for the ID. R Pikes Peak: Computer is important factor for development in record time
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is unique in many ways. One thing that makes the most famous hill climb in the world so special is the heavily restricted test drives. Volkswagen Motorsport wasn’t able to complete hundreds of laps during the development of the ID. R Pikes Peak, like Formula 1 teams are allowed to do on certain racetracks, for example. Before driver Romain Dumas reached the 4,302-metre summit in a new record time, he wasn’t even able to complete one full test run of the actual track with Volkswagen’s first all-electric powered racing car. -
Success factors for the ID. R Pikes Peak – a record breaker, thanks to 3D printing
It is less than four weeks since Romain Dumas and the ID. R Pikes Peak set a new all-time record of 7:57.148 minutes for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. For the Volkswagen Motorsport engineers, the race against the clock lasted far longer – about eight months. In motorsport, this is an extremely short period in motor racing terms, yet this is all the technicians were given to develop Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car. -
Record-breaking run of the ID. R Pikes Peak from different perspectives
Volkswagen made motorsport history at the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on 24 June. At the wheel of the 500-kW (680-PS), fully-electric ID. R Pikes Peak, Romain Dumas (F) defeated cars powered by conventional drivetrain technology. The 40-year-old’s time of 7:57.148 minutes, not only smashed the previous record for electric cars, but also bettered the all-time record set in 2013 by Sébastien Loeb (F) – by fully 16.730 seconds. -
Volkswagen’s main plant in Wolfsburg wins the Automotive Lean Production Award for the first time
Volkswagen’s main plant in Wolfsburg is heading for greater productivity and efficiency with an exemplary pace of change. This is the assessment given by a team of independent experts in its European competition study for the Lean Production Award 2018. The internationally renowned award for slim and agile production systems in the automotive industry has gone to the Wolfsburg plant for the first time. At Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg plant, the jury assessed solutions at more than 50 stations in the press shop, body shop, paint shop, assembly and logistics as well as with respect to Industry 4.0. -
Five tips for relaxing summer holidays with the car
A relaxing holiday starts with a pleasant journey. These days holidaymakers use their satnav and smartphone for a safe and stress-free journey. When these devices work as a team, they greatly enhance the holiday experience. The Volkswagen Car-Net is the key here. These five tips help drivers reduce stress levels when on holiday. -
ID. R Pikes Peak thrills fans with record run at Goodwood
The ID. R Pikes Peak has wrapped up its next record. Romain Dumas (F) set a new record for electric cars of 43.86 seconds in Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Following his record-breaking exploits at the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb just three weeks ago, Dumas beat the previous fastest time for electric cars on the Goodwood Hillclimb, which has stood since 2013, by 3.48 seconds. The all-time record still belongs to Nick Heidfeld (D). The former Formula 1 driver completed the 1.86-kilometre route in 41.6 seconds at the wheel of a McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13 Formula 1 car in 1999. -
The new T-Cross will be manufactured in Volkswagen Navarra
Volkswagen Navarra will manufacture the T-Cross, the new compact SUV of the Volkswagen brand. This was announced by Dr. Andreas Tostmann, Head of Volkswagen Production & Logistics today. Thus, the plant, which is producing the Polo since 1984, will build a second model for the first time in its history. -
Volkswagen steps up commitment to Formula Student and supports six university teams at Hockenheim
Volkswagen is stepping up its commitment to the international design competition Formula Student Germany (FSG). This year, Volkswagen is supporting six university teams which are entering nine racing cars – more than ever before. The Wolfsburg company is focusing on two categories: “Driverless” for autonomous vehicles and “Electric” for racing cars with electric drive systems. Just before the works holidays, Volkswagen invited the selected racing teams to a warm-up training session at its Ehra-Lessien proving grounds for initial test laps and the fine tuning of their cars. Formula Student Germany is to be held on the Hockenheimring from August 7 to 12, 2018. -
Volkswagen is systematically and vigorously advancing its electromobility offensive in China
The Volkswagen Group is expanding its successful business relationships in the People’s Republic of China. As part of the 5th German-Chinese government consultations, the Volkswagen Group China signed letters of intent with a long-time joint-venture partner, the FAW Group, and with the China Intelligent and Connected Vehicles (Beijing) Research Institute Co. Ltd. (ICV). The agreements cover the areas of e-mobility, connectivity, mobility services and autonomous driving. A day earlier, the Volkswagen Group China joined the automakers JAC and SEAT in signing letters of intent in which the three underscored their commitment to e-mobility. The aim of the partnerships is to draw on the support of the Chinese partners and to systematically and vigorously fuel the company’s far-reaching electro-offensive and to apply new technologies. -
Supervisory Board appoints Dr. Stefan Sommer Group Board Member for Procurement
The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft has appointed Dr. Stefan Sommer (55) as the Board Member with responsibility for Procurement effective latest January 1, 2019. Sommer was Chief Executive Officer of ZF Friedrichshafen AG until the end of 2017. In his new function he succeeds Dr. Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz, who left the Company in April at his own request. -
Volkswagen Expands E-Mobility Engagement in China
Volkswagen Group China today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp., Ltd. (JAC) and SEAT in Berlin, in the presence of German Chancellor An-gela Merkel and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. The three groups will together establish a new R&D center with a focus on developing electric vehicles, connectivity and autonomous driving technologies, as well as a competitive platform for battery electric vehicles (BEV). SEAT brand will be introduced to China by 2020/2021. The move is a significant step in reinforcing Sino-German cooperation, as well as supporting Volkswagen Group China’s drive to be a leader in e-mobility. -
Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak goes in search of more records at Goodwood
Memories of victory at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb are still fresh: Volkswagen made motorsport history on 24 June, when Romain Dumas (F) and the ID. R Pikes Peak set a new all-time record of 7:57.148 minutes at the most famous hill climb in the world. From 12 to 15 July, the pursuit of records continues at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The iconic motorsport event is the largest event of its type in the world and is celebrating its 25th birthday this year. More than 200,000 visitors from all over the world are expected to flock to the south of England for this unique homage to motorsport.
Stories
Exchange incentive: Now nationwide
Volkswagen is expanding its exchange incentive to replace older diesel vehicles allover Germany.
PS fireworks, ice cold
The relaunch of the iconic ice race at Zell am See, Austria thrilled participants and spectators alike.
The myth of the Neckartor
The diesel discussion is becoming more objective, the sustainability of diesel technology is increasingly being discussed in a less prejudicial manner among experts, in the media and social networks. Here, we explain the key facts and most dubious details about NOx and particular matter.
"A further phase of uncertainty"
The negotiations on Brexit in the UK also have an impact on other European countries and industry. Volkswagen comments on current developments.
Volkswagen and Ford launch alliance
Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Company today announced the first agreements in a broad alliance that positions the companies to boost competitiveness and better serve customers in an era of rapid change in the industry.
When Zell freezes over
Car races on frozen tracks pulled huge crowds in the middle of the 20th century. The Ice Race in Zell am See on the upcoming weekend is reviving this tradition.
The Snow Kings
The Planai Classic in Austria is for dyed-in-the-wool classic car fans only. We went along – sitting in the passenger seat alongside motorsport legend Hans-Joachim “Strietzel” Stuck.
This is where your Volkswagen is build!
Volkswagen provides a glimpse behind the scenes at many sites – ranging from Pune, India, to Shanghai, China. While participating in factory tours, visitors have the opportunity to find out what production processes make our cars so safe and how electric drives are changing the vehicles of the future.
